Model Classroom

I work in a Montessori school in pre-k to k classroom, ages range from 2.9 to 6 in Andover, MA. There are many different cultures in the school community. (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Lebanese and Russian to name a few.) There are two teachers in the classroom with 10 to 1, student to teacher ratio. All classroom are multi-ages with mixed abilities. Working in a Montessori classroom I get the unique ability to know the students for 3 and even 4 years. This year I did not have any ELL students, but I have had them in years past and now he is 5 and a kindergartener. I have one student with Down syndrome.

Classroom set up: Very few desks, big tables for multi-student work. A lot of shelves made of natural wood and a lot of windows to bring in natural light. Plenty of floor space for working on the ground. Plants around the classroom. Warm neutral colors on the walls. Carpet on most of the ground. Tile under art area. Bathroom in the classroom with two toilets and two sinks.

Montessori classrooms are designed to be intuitive and conducive to a child’s needs at multiple developmental stages. 

Most Montessori classrooms feature the following:

• Designated learning areas. Each classroom is divided into multiple learning areas. Typically, these areas are dedicated to either sensory, practical, language, math, or cultural experiences.
• Limited wall décor. In a Montessori classroom, decorations are kept to a minimum. Any decorations found on the walls are generally both practical and simply designed.
• Natural furnishings. Whereas many traditional classrooms use brightly colored plastic desks and chairs, Montessori classrooms mostly stick to natural wood furnishings. The furnishing arrangement is also less strict and tends to include more circles than rows.
• Soft lighting. Montessori classrooms use lighting similar to what a child might experience in his or her home. Instead of fluorescent overhead lighting, the classroom may have fixtures designated to specific sections to create a cozier atmosphere.
• Specific organization. While Montessori spaces are designed to encourage self-driven learning, they’re far from chaotic. These classrooms include neat and predictable organization of supplies, toys, and educational items.